It has been confirmed that King Charles is still undergoing cancer treatment while fulfilling his royal duties. The monarch was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, and it was announced late last year that his treatment will continue until 2025.
The news of his plans for a new overseas state visit might suggest that his medical condition is improving. However, not everyone is optimistic about the future. One expert has warned that the Palace could face some challenges ahead.
In the past year, King Charles has dealt with significant emotional turmoil, and his family and friends have been affected by these hardships as well. Just two years ago, he lost his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and last year, his longtime friend Ian Farquhar tragically passed away in an accident. Now, King Charles faces further personal loss as he mourns the death of another loved one.
The beginning of King Charles’ reign has been marked by significant challenges. Not long before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, the monarch faced intense pressure dealing with the public disputes between his son, Prince Harry, and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle, and the many allegations they made against the Royal Family.
Charles began receiving cancer treatment last year and has continued with his therapy since. Though he is reportedly feeling well enough to have paused his treatment for an official state visit to Australia and Samoa, he still has a long way to go. There have been speculations about his health, and while some may have wished for him to keep his diagnosis private, King Charles made the decision to share it early on, hoping it would raise awareness about the condition.
His decision to announce his diagnosis had an immediate impact in the UK, with a significant increase in people seeking tests after hearing the news. In a heartfelt message after revealing his diagnosis, King Charles expressed his gratitude for the public support. He wrote,
“I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
Further, the king acknowledged the efforts of cancer organizations and emphasized how sharing his own experience had helped raise awareness and shed light on the work of those who support cancer patients and their families. He added, “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”
Though the specific type of cancer that King Charles has remains unclear, it has been reported that he has been traveling to London for private medical appointments. His treatment will continue through 2025, but sources indicate that it is progressing in a positive direction.
Laura Lee, CEO of Maggie’s, a cancer support charity of which Queen Camilla is president, explained to Sky News that it is common for cancer treatment to be prolonged. “We’ve got immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and hormone therapy. There are all sorts of different treatment modalities, and so it’s not surprising at all.”
Scheduled to Visit Italy for State Engagement
Despite his ongoing treatment, King Charles is continuing his royal duties, with some of his engagements handled by Camilla and Prince William. In early February, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla will be visiting Italy in April, where they will meet Pope Francis and participate in events marking the 2025 Catholic Holy Year. This will be King Charles’ first international trip of 2025 and his seventeenth visit to Italy.
Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles, spoke about the careful planning of his trips, acknowledging that at Charles’ age and after undergoing cancer treatment, it’s sensible to plan royal engagements with caution. He remarked, “This is already his ninth visit since becoming king, and they’ve probably just been sensible about how they plan these kinds of things.”
While the king’s resilience is widely admired, there are concerns about his health. Royal expert Daniela Elser noted a noticeable difference in King Charles’ appearance in a recent photo compared to one taken just a few years ago. She pointed out the changes and raised concerns about how the palace would manage the monarchy in the future, given the challenges faced by an aging monarch battling cancer.
King Charles Mourns the Loss of Two Close Friends in One Year
On top of his health struggles, King Charles has faced profound personal losses. Two years ago, he lost his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had served as monarch for over 70 years. The king’s grief was apparent in his statements after her passing, as he expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for her devotion to the family and the nation.
In addition to his mother’s passing, King Charles also mourned the death of his longtime friend Ian Farquhar, who passed away in a tragic accident at home in March 2024. Farquhar, known as “The Captain,” was a close friend of the royal family, particularly of Queen Elizabeth II, and was an avid lover of horses.
Now, King Charles faces yet another loss. The Aga Khan, his spiritual leader and close personal friend, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 88. The king expressed his deep sadness over the Aga Khan’s death, highlighting their long-standing relationship. The Aga Khan was not only a close confidant but also a patron of the King’s Trust. His death marks another sorrowful chapter for King Charles as he navigates both personal grief and the demanding responsibilities of his role.
Despite these challenges, King Charles continues to show remarkable strength and dedication to his duties, demonstrating a resilience that has been widely praised. His ability to continue his royal commitments while managing his health demonstrates both his determination and the support of his family. However, as his treatment continues, the palace and the nation await to see how his health will evolve and how the monarchy will adapt in the years to come.
